The SUNY Empire Student Government Association announces a special election to fill several vacant positions.
A Candidate Forum was held on October 27. Unfortunately, MyESC was not available at this time so many students were not able to join. A recording of this event is available here.
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An open Q & A is schedule for Monday, November 1 at 8 p.m. Please come ask any questions you have of the candidates at this time. |
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The SGA’s mission is to ensure the student experience at SUNY Empire is excellent, and we accomplish this by listening, advocating, and engaging. The SGA serves as a community for students interested in politics, policy, and advocacy. The organization enables students to develop skills in leadership, project management, and issue-based communication.
Now, it is the time to vote on who you, the students, would like to represent you.
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President Nominees - 2 Candidates |
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Student: Gabrielle Lerner
Program: Undergraduate
Area of Study: Business, Management, and Economics
Why should the student body elect you for this position?
My name is Gabby Lerner and I am a first-generation American student in the combined BA / MBA program at Empire State College. I am ready and eager to serve as your next President where I will listen to your voices, engage our students, and advocate for a greater quality of education and campus life for all.
My studies in economics, innovation, and business have exposed me to the Sustainable Development Goals and the importance of gender equality in all settings. As a Representative within the SUNY Student Assembly, I led the charge to establish the Womxn’s task force and planned the first-ever Womxn’s Leadership Summit which hosted elected officials, academics, and inspiring womxn leaders from across the state. I have planned and carried out over twenty events last year, including our first-ever 24-hour town hall, that amplified student voices from across the system.
As the Vice-Chair of the State-Operated Campuses Caucus, I authored and co-sponsored nearly 15 resolutions that have addressed issues such as mental health resources on campus, online learning, veterans affairs, and returning student and adult learning challenges. I am eager to build upon my experiences to empower the voices of those within the Black Lives Matter movement and BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, AAPI, and other historically marginalized communities.
My leadership experiences have equipped me with the tools and resources to challenge the status quo and shift the paradigm to an inclusive system that uplifts all students and ensures success for all at Empire State College.
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Student: Ann Sconiers
Program: Undergraduate Studies
Area of Study: Business
Why should the student body elect you for this position?
Prior to being elected as the Vice President, I played an intricate part in helping with the formation of the current Student Government Association at SUNY Empire. Almost immediately after the results of the elections, I was named Acting President where my leadership was detrimental. My many years of leadership experience and skills have allowed this organization to connect with and inspire students as well as be a strong voice for the student body. I have also had the privilege to build a strong relationship with many of those who are currently serving within SGA, as well as many administrators. My goal is to continue to build a solid foundation for the organization in efforts of networking with the student body to be heard and allowing for this institution to become even better and stronger.
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Treasurer Nominees - 2 Candidates
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Student: Tyler Corke
Program: Undergraduate Studies
Area of Study: Human Development
School: School of Human Services
Why should the student body elect you for this position?
I am Tyler and I am applying for the Executive Committee Treasurer for the School of Human Services. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. My interests for this position is the potential to give back to our school. SUNY Empire State College has provided me with such a positive experience with instructors, administrators, and even my peers so I would love the opportunity to help where I can. I would also enjoy building stronger relationships with the student body.
Although I do not hold much experience in this position, I do have the experience as an intern, in 2015, at the Red Cross for marketing. By the end of the internship, I was responsible for holding my own blood drives, so it is safe to say I have the skills of time management, organization, and a strong work ethic.
I need the student body’s votes in order for me to win this election and show my true ability to accomplish anything I put my mind to. I plan to add a positive asset to the school, my peers, and the SAF committee. As well as, attending all meetings and thriving in the responsibilities of the position. I wish all of the following candidates the same luck because we all are here for the same reason.
I cannot wait to see where I can go through this position, I will be able to learn and grow with the committee and the student body, as well.
Vote Tyler for Executive Committee Treasurer for the School of Human Services! You won’t regret it.
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Student: Yasmine Oehm
Program: Undergraduate Studies
Area of Study: Addiction Studies
School: School of Arts and Humanities
Why should the student body elect you for this position?
The student body should elect me for this position because I have a strong history with the school over the last 10 years of my educational career. I graduated with my Bachelor degree in Accounting and Finance in 2011, mentored by Professor Nazik Roufaiel, and have remained in contact with her over the last 10 years. I have worked well now, under Thalia Macmillian who is the mentor of community and human services for the Center for Distance Learning which I am a part of. I am local to the school, here in Saratoga Springs, and can be available when my position requires me to either in person or virtually.
I have created a foot print in the local community with being the Chairperson for Fundraising for my youngest son’s school, Geyser Road Elementary, am an Assistant Den leader as well for Cub Scout Troop 4024. Once I graduate with my degree in Addiction Studies, I look to use all of my collegiate knowledge out in the world with special populations that either have a mental health disorder or substance abuse disorders. I have previously been the Treasurer for PTA in my sons’ old school district. I have a wealth of knowledge in both the business world and the educational world alongside my children as they have progressed in their schooling. I am proud to be an Alumni member of the Class of 2011, but more importantly, I am again, a current student because I believe in SUNY Empire program and what it has to offer.
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Student Senator Nominees (some seats still vacant) |
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Student: Susan Abare-Walker
Program: Undergraduate Studies
Area of Study: Addiction Studies
School: School of Human Services
Why should the student body elect you for this position?
Hello. I am a new SUNY Empire student in Addiction Studies and have interest in Deaf studies. I am a part-time undergraduate student. I plan on going on to graduate school in addictions. I have the passion and experience in addictions. I have 9+ years in recovery in addictions and I have several friends that are in addiction recovery. I love to help people in their issues with addictions. I have been senator for college senator for the ASL club at FMCC and I’m familiar with what the senate does.
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Student: Elizabeth Maxwell
Program: Graduate Studies
Area of Study: Social and Public Policy
School: School of Graduate Studies
Why should the student body elect you for this position?
I am running for the Graduate School Senate position because I believe representation matters. Representation matters at all levels of government, including colleges. My goal is to be a representative of the student body in the graduate school at Empire State College. As I am currently running for a town elected office, the one thing that jumps out to me is the need for a person who will listen and fight for the constituency's needs. The constituency, in this case, is students enrolled in a graduate program.
As an advocate for Early Intervention Education, I have learned how to lobby for funding for the program actively. I continue to pursue having the funding legislation signed by the governor to create a base to improve the program. The Early Intervention program has suffered from underfunding for years and created provider shortages harming the delivery of services to children aged 0-5. Through advocacy and lobbying for early intervention, I have learned how to communicate the program's needs for funding increases effectively.
The role of running for office creates a different view of representing people and their needs. Some people run for office who wish to work for the government. However, others genuinely wish to serve the people and communities. I have actively listened to residents when knocking on doors to introduce myself to voters and ask their needs in the town. Are there specific issues that they want to address? Would they like to see more economic investment, improved park maintenance, lakeshore concerns, and pesticide use?
The importance of being a representative is actively listening to create solutions that work for all—fairness, transparency, and building together to help all communities.
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Student: Elizabeth Adams
Program: Undergraduate Studies
Area of Study: The Arts
School: School of Arts and Humanities
Why should the student body elect you for this position?
Exploration along with trial and error is my foundation for success. Beyond my enthusiasm and dedication for my major, and professional career goals, I work hard, push through the tears, and refuse to give up. Being a college student has reinforced my personal mantra of you’re either going to sink or swim. I would rather struggle to swim than give in the bumpy waves ahead that may knock me down. I know I am capable of this position of authority -- because I just keep swimming! Self-confidence and dedication towards my art form is an attribute I make apparent, and I desire to transfer this attention and energy to other members of the student body. John Quincy Adams once said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader." This is me, and I believe I am a quintessential fit for representing SUNY Empire.
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Student Senators Still Needed!
Student Senators are the voice of the student body, they represent undergraduate and graduate students from every school within the College, and there are two dedicated seats for international students.
Student Senators host events, town halls, and ensure their constituents’ voices, opinions, and needs are heard. No leadership experience is necessary to be a Representative, but you must be able to attend monthly meetings, work in teams, and see initiatives through to completion.
Below is a complete list of schools within the college.
Available Student Senator Positions
- School of Arts and Humanities (1 vacancy)
- School of Science Math and Technology (1 vacancy)
- School of Business, Management and Economics (2 vacancies)
- School of Human Services (1 vacancy)
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences ( 1 vacancy)
- School of Graduate Studies (1 vacancy)
- International Programs (2 vacancies)
- School of Nursing and Allied Health (2 vacancies)
- Harry Van Arsdale School for Labor Studies (2 vacancies)
If you think you might be interested in running in the next election, start coming to All Hands meetings and get to know
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